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Category: Poetry

IF YOU COULD CREATE A PERFECT DAY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

In most of our lives, we are conditioned to do what is laid out for us. If we work, we normally do basically the same for at least 5 -6 days. We develop routines, what time we wake up, what are our preparation regiments to get ready for work, what we eat or don’t eat prior to leaving. If you wrote down your routine for a week, you would find very little variance as we are mostly creatures of habit. In this blog message, I am going to take your mind out of this routine as it is beyond any of our control but how life determines what and when we do certain tasks. Let’s go down the creative and imaginative path for a detour.

Perfect Day for My Daughter and Her Dad. Outdoors and on Horseback.

First, let’s take work out of the equation so today is a free from work day. What would you do with your time? I made a list of questions to start the creative juices flowing:

  • What are things/hobbies/tasks you love to do? Try making a list of those items for us to review later in the blog.
    • I will start the thought process as I love to bake and cook. I love to write both poetry and books (I actually wrote three novels which I am proud that I didn’t quit and all of my author friends appreciate the effort behind this undertaking). I love to decorate and make florals. I love family and family gatherings and even though the pandemic has placed a dampening on those times, I am ready for this to resume soon. I love some travel but I am not a Traveling Mac for sure so this is a back step priority if you know what I mean.

Second, let’s actually delete things/events we don’t like to do:

  • I don’t like organizing but I love organized cabinets, closets, and drawers. I don’t enjoy lectures, some concerts, or outdoor activities. I don’t like to shop and/or browse. I never have; I probably never will. Yard sales don’t appeal to me at all. The next one will probably surprise you but I don’t like reading books. Ouch, as an author, this sounds ironic. For you to understand my unwillingness to sit and be still long enough to read a lengthy book, it has to be fast action, lots of twists and turns, mystery I feel I can solve quickly, and I have to have a page turner so that I finish it in a flash. That’s me, so what are your dislikes? I ask you to list your likes as well as your dislikes for a reason.

Third, let’s compare what you like and dislike as these lists will define your personality and from here we can move in our imaginary world for a day. If you have listed outdoor activities primarily as what you love, you may want to consider your perfect day doing one or more of outdoor trips, activities, and/or hobbies. If you love traveling, lots of people do, you may on your perfect day plan a trip and include the destination to provide this type of entertainment pleasure. If you love to shop, design a day around shopping and if you are a connoisseur of good restaurants, plan to eat at one of your favorites as an enhancement to your shopping experience.

I think you are moving into the creative realm, imagining what makes you happy and what you would avoid if you had the opportunity to choose. By opening your mind to the perfect day, you can tolerate the routine days much better by planning good activities and keeping your mind in a positive light. Even though you may not be able to actually have a perfect day, you will benefit from going through the mental exercise of planning the perfect day. Dream and the dream may come true. Plan and save for that perfect day as that becomes a precedent of organizing your thoughts, your budget, and your attitude. I wanted to give you some food for thought. Self help and building positive goals and seeing dreams come to reality are the best tools available.

Now for the deeper thought: It is great to dream and I am a realistic dreamer. I see Yes and I don’t see a lot of No’s. What I trust in is a strong faith in My Maker and Creator as God placed the creative side in me but He also placed the ability to realize the work and effort to make those dreams become a reality. Let’s Get Creative and Use those God Given Talents to Live Life; Love Life; and Live Life to the Fullest by Creating a Loving Environment.

(C) Copyright 2012 – 2022 Arline Miller of Sipping Cups of Inspiration and Reinvention Queen with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material is sourced, if known, to the original location and author for credit reference.

BLOGGING IS LIKE FISHING

via BLOGGING IS LIKE FISHING

This is the second in a series for those interested in blogging. BLOGGING IS LIKE FISHING and of course I return to my childhood days and try to “catch” your attention by fishing around a little. Please join me on the blog with some interesting analogy of how we prepare for our blogging fishing trip. For all of you who would like to dabble your hook and line by guest blogging on my blog, please contact me and let’s go down to the fishin’ hole. #blog #amwriting #life #bloggers #writers #tipsforblogging

BLOGGING IS LIKE FISHING

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BLOGGING IS LIKE FISHING is my second blog post on why I blog, how I blog, and most importantly, how you can blog. For those who read my blog on a regular basis, first let me thank you. Without you the reader, this early morning work would be better spent with some extra zzzz’s. Now for the good stuff all of you writers, the mystique of blogging is similar to going fishing. When I was young, I went fishing with my Dad or a group of family members. For some reason, I never wanted to go alone but enjoyed the sharing of excitement of interacting with others.
As I usually do, I will associate my blogging experience to a good fishing trip that we came home with a bucket full of fish and had a fish fry. Let’s see how we can go down to that ole fishing hole (blogging world) and pull some of those scrumptious fish (readers) in with our bait (blog).
  • 1) First, you have to have the desire or want to go fishing attitude. Blogging takes dedication and some time is required  to get ready to fish or as we are doing, blogging.
  • 2) Set aside some time to write the blog post each day. I find that I am more creative early in the morning, but this might not be the best time for you to “fish”. There is no set time but there has to be regularity to prepare and for fishing (blogging).
  • 3) Decide what you need to make the fishing trip successful. I will break down what I use to wet my blogging hook so you get an idea.

a) Fishing pole or reel is your niche or your market. In other words, what kind of reader do you want to reel in with your blog. Example: Foodies, Sport fans, fashionistas, spiritual or more newsie types. As my Daddy always told me you make sure you have a strong enough pole to catch the big ones. It may not be the best comparison but you want to appeal and draw the right audience to your blog.

b) The right size hook is vital. Too big of a hook may scare off the best fish or reader out there by overkill. Decide if you want to be a sizzle or a fizzle blogger. What do I mean by that expression? A sizzle blogger is usually young and has a lot to say. This is the type hook you may need if you are writing the blog to catch fashionistas, trendsetters, groupies,  They want the bling, bling and the photos and quick reads. It is more dazzle than deep set ideas. On the other hand the set hook will draw the harder to catch but worth the effort reader as they become the loyal followers or readers. They crave the research you put into the blog.

c) The bait….oh yes…..the bait is You. On a blog you put yourself on the line or hook. You get jabbed and prodded but it is a piece of yourself which is the attraction. Add a little personality, develop your own style. Don’t get all politically correct and if you do as I do write your blog from your heart and throw in a little fact and research to enhance the topic. People love to feel they know you, the blogger, and they need to feel you want to know them. Reply to comments, thank your readers, and always represent what you truly are.

d) The bucket to keep your fish or readers in is your platform. There are many platforms and we will cover those choices pro and con in another session but it is important that the platform or bucket is safe and will keep the readers comfortable.

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I thought you might find it ironic but when I googled how to write engaging posts, Google provided me with the following tips and the first one caught my eye with the use of HOOK.
Capture your Readers: 8 Tips to Writing Engaging Blog Posts
  1. Hook Them With The First Sentence. …
  2. 2. Make Every Word, Phrase & Sentence Count. …
  3. Shorten Your Sentences, If Possible. …
  4. Use Simple, Yet Precise, Words. …
  5. Play With Analogies. …
  6. Throw In A Few Pop Culture References. …
  7. 7. Make Your Post Unique (Even If The Idea Isn’t) …
  8. End With A Punchy Conclusion.

As I take a little time from my usual posts, I want to encourage new writers to try your hand writing, whatever the source or style. Try your hand at a short story, a poem, prose, or just write like I do. Express yourself in ways which are outlets for communication. A blog is summed up as in the excerpt from How to Write a Blog Post (with link to article for reading):

WHAT IS A BLOG?

A blog is literally short for “web log.” Blogs began in the early 1990s as an online journal for individuals to publish thoughts and stories on their own website. Bloggers then share their blog posts with other internet users. Blog posts used to be much more personal to the writer or group of writers than they are today.

Today, people and organizations of all walks of life manage blogs to share analyses, instruction, criticisms, and other observations of an industry in which they are a rising expert.

I recommend this article link very highly if you are serious about starting your blog or even for those of us who always are looking for better ways to keep the blog going. So grab that fishing pole and go fishing (or blogging).

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LIVE LIFE, LOVE LIFE, AND LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST whether it be writing, drawing, crafting, woodworking, speaking, cooking, or whatever floats your boat.

 

 

(C) Copyright 2012-2019 Arline Miller of Sipping Cups of Inspiration with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material including photos are sourced to original location if known for credit reference.

 

CHILDREN SLEEP WHILE SUGAR CANDY CANES DANCE IN THEIR HEADS

via CHILDREN SLEEP WHILE SUGAR CANDY CANES DANCE IN THEIR HEADS

Sometimes a blog post is like a great tradition, worthy of repetition. CHILDREN SLEEP WHILE SUGAR CANES DANCE IN THEIR HEADS is one of the blog messages I am proudest. It teaches a life lesson and a sweet reward for good deeds. Please read the blog, savor it, and share it with others. #blog #children #parenting #life #Christmas #love #amwriting

CHILDREN SLEEP WHILE SUGAR CANDY CANES DANCE IN THEIR HEADS

This was a post in 2016 and more grandchildren are here (8 total) and each one precious in their own right. I thought I would repost this one for several reasons. Yes, the candy cane house is out on the counter waiting for the grands to see but not touch and will go home with them as years before. Why I bring this tradition up is to reflect how important the little things and lessons we teach the young ones stays with them as reminded a few days ago when one of our grandsons came to spend his one on one day with Granddaddy and Nana. He saw the Christmas tree and was excited to be the first one to see his birdhouse (that is a blog post for another day) but what I found to be profound was when he spotted the candy canes in the house on the counter. He didn’t want to grab one even though he immediately let Nana know peppermint is one of his favs. He reminded me of the promise of Nana sending those candy canes home at Christmas for their reward candy. Oh, how Nana smiled and promised those were their reward candy canes. How sweet it is. I was reminded we do make a difference and now for the original blog post:

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CHILDREN SLEEP WHILE SUGAR CANDY CANES DANCE IN THEIR HEADS. We live in a world where a lot of children never know what the word no means. I am writing this post in hopes some people will read it and witness positive ways to bring children into reality and hopefully dispel some of the fantasy of giving anything to children anytime they say they want it

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At first, when our son (my stepson but he is like mine) and his beautiful wife started having a lot of children, we were shocked. Of course we worried like all grandparents do….Will they be able to take care of them?…..Will they be able to take the time with each one?……Will they be able to get good education…..and on and on. Old dogs can learn new tricks and both of us, Granddaddy and Nana have observed one of the best parenting teams we have ever seen.

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As you can see the Candy Cane House and Boot have the Reward Canes Ready.

To emphasize a little of how it works, allow me to share how they take a “Nana gonna spoil them” event and change it into a tradition and a learning to reward good actions. We had bought candy canes at Christmas and put them into a ceramic house (see photo) and the boys immediately spotted the candy canes. While Nana was ready to give them out to each one, Cory spoke up and said, “Nana can send the candy canes home with us and when you do something really good, you will get one as a reward.” I was expecting some rebuttal from our grands but they were pleased to have a goal and I could almost see Nolan calculating just how good he was going to be to get the most. There was no more discussion until I was packing up some of the leftovers and the boys wanted to know if I had packed their Candy Canes. This was about 3 Christmases ago and each year they walk into Nana’s kitchen and look for their Candy Canes. I wrote a poem about this tradition and you bet Nana has their candy canes ready for them.fe763-myles2band2bmason

Here is Myles the youngest grandson with our first granddaughter.

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My daughter Missy with most of the boys. What a lot of love for Aunt MissyImage may contain: indoor

 

Candy Canes with Loving Care

 

The candy canes are hung with loving care

In hopes the grandchildren will see them there.

It is a tradition for the canes to accompany them.

For a reward, they can earn; not eat on a whim.

Each year as the boys come into the room,

It seems as if their bright eyes begin to zoom.

Nana, are those our candy canes?

Yes, boys, your excitement never wanes.

They are to be earned for your good deeds

Not to be gobbled whenever you please.

Your parents will keep them nice and safe.

So be good boys and don’t hesitate.

To say I love you, thank you, and please.

Be nice to each other; kindly play not tease.

We have lots of candy canes so release

All your goodness and enjoy your sweets.

 

For our grands who love the candy canes and all our

Love……Nana and Granddaddy 2016

Written by Arline Miller

 

Now for the deeper thought……Sometimes we forget as we get older the most precious moments and special gifts are those gifts we work toward and feel a great accomplishment when we achieve. It is not the monetary value; it is the love behind the gift. I have witnessed so much love and sharing between our 5 grandsons and now they have their sister who each one of them take the time to hug or touch Mason when they pass by. She is special to them and I know they will teach her the Candy Cane Rewards that Nana will send home with them as she grows older. Maybe it might be fun to try this little game with your grandchildren and watch how they respond. Have a Merry Christmas or Holiday Season with the little ones! CHRISTMAS is the birthday of Jesus Christ who is the reason for the season.

 

BIBLE FEATURED VERSE:

 

Luke 2:1-20New International Version (NIV)

 

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

 

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

 

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

 

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

 

(c) Copyright 2012-2016 Arline Miller with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material is sourced to original location for reference credit.

 

 

POETRY IS LOVE IN MOTION II

via POETRY IS LOVE IN MOTION II

POETRY IS LOVE IN MOTION. I chose this topic because I receive inspiration. I don’t write the poems to impress or to post them for any commercial purpose. I post because I feel love when I write poems. Are they grammatically correct? I think not but I write from the heart as they come and I feel I would be losing the inspiration if I lose the focus of the message. Judge my poems not; as they are meant to be my thoughts sent with love. #blog #christmas #holiday #faith #poetry #love #amwriting

POETRY IS LOVE IN MOTION II

POETRY IS LOVE IN MOTION. I chose this topic because I receive inspiration. I don’t write the poems to impress or to post them for any commercial purpose. I post because I feel love when I write poems. Are they grammatically correct? I think not but I write from the heart as they come and I feel I would be losing the inspiration if I lose the focus of the message. Judge my poems not; as they are meant to be my thoughts sent with love.

I thought I would post a few of them. Some of the readers may not celebrate Christmas in recognition of Christ’s birth but I do. I hope you enjoy them if you celebrate the Savior’s birth.

As we begin the Christmas Season and knowing the reason for the season, I think of the poem I wrote in 2014 and thought I would post if for everyone to read. Include our Lord’s great love for all of us in our homes, work, neighborhood, and communities. Have a wonderful, blessed holiday season and Merry Christmas to all!

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DO YOU HEAR THE CHRIST CHILD CRYING?

Do you hear the Christ child crying, do you hear Him cry?
From the manger to the cross, the people let him die.
He made the blind see, and even raised the dead.                                                               But He died so we could live; so why oh why does He Cry?

Do you hear the Christ child crying, do you hear Him cry?
He loved the children and said Little Ones, Come unto Me.
He offered us eternal salvation only through His name.
He held all sinners in His Heart without any blame
But He died so we could live, Why oh why does He Cry?

Do you hear the Christ child crying, do you hear him cry?
Why oh why, did I have to die; why do I have to cry?
He looks down from the celestial glory of Heaven’s sky
And has to see so many of His children needlessly die,
Evil is to blame and a tear drops from His loving eye.

I bled for all of you, children are loved by Me most high.
But I died so you could live, so why oh why must I cry?
People, please listen as I am the Only One to set you free.
Stop your evil hate and let the little children safely be.

I died for you to be heavenly. My tears are for thee.
Live for me; I will not cry if you will faithfully worship Me.
Do you hear the Christ child crying, do you hear Him cry?
Why oh why, did He have to die; why does He still cry?

Note from Arline Miller, blog author and writer of this poem. 12/15/2014

 

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The following is one I wrote yesterday:

CHRISTMAS BEGINS WITH CHRIST

When the dark falls and night becomes still,
I will be thinking of You.
When the tree lights begin to twinkle,
My faithful heart will glow too.
Christmas is the time destined to fill,
My eternal love for you dear Jesus.
When the gifts are open for all to see
I will remember Your gift to us.
The little ones gather to the window sill, 
I will be praising and thanking too.
From a baby to Our Savior you were true.
Your life was the reason we love You.
Christmas is a blessed season for all
Who believe in honoring You.
You gave Your Life for us to not fall.
May many worship, not only a few.
When Christmas has ended may I be still.
I will be thinking of You.
Guests and family will leave for their homes.
The gift of eternal life can ensue.
Beautiful Christmases will come and go
Never magnificent as your birth.
The star filled sky will never brilliantly glow.
As the glorious night bringing you forth.
Let our hearts be merry and full of love.
May we tell the story that is never ending.
The hope for peace on earth
Was started the night man received You.
                    Written by Arline Miller for Christmas 2017

 

Here is another poem I happened to write around Christmas time but it is not specifically written about Christmas:

 

Wouldn’t It Be Nice?

My mind was wondering in another space.

It came to me in a strange, mysterious trace.

Maybe I was wishing for wonders and grace.

What I should wish for was in another place.

 

What if, and I was left to only suppose.

Instead of many stores on earth who close

We could choose for Hell to be one of those.

No more souls lost and to Heaven they rose.

 

My mind went further as to how this can be.

Thoughts that repeatedly paced before I could see.

What made those stores close was obviously?

A lack of business, it was from lack of activity.

 

Well, my friends with Our God’s Heaven’s place,

The bargain sale should be a fast and furious race.

There is nothing for us to pay but a need to pace.

Jesus has taken care of our soul’s redemption face.

 

If all chose not to frequent Satan’s evil stores.

Why, Hell would have to shut its fiery doors.

And clear all its eternal tormenting floors.

Redeemed souls would be free of Satan’s roars.

As they could fly to Heaven with winged soars.

Written by Arline Miller on 12/18/2016

 

From my writer’s heart to yours, I wish you a wonderful and blessed holiday season with best wishes for good health, love with and for your families, and success in your endeavors. For me and my house, we will celebrate with love and kindness for all mankind. You may pick up a note pad and jot down thoughts that may seem to come out of nowhere, but I assure you they have a lot of meaning.

I wrote this one with my Mother in mind and also for my daughter. It is not related to Christmas, but I think children are our gifts from Heaven.

Why call me Mother?

I have been called many things and you may wonder why

I treasure the name of Mother above all other.

Many have called me a positive go-getter and I sigh

What does a Mother do for her children but lift them high?

Many have called me a hard worker who tries her best.

A Mother works hard for her family and all the rest.

With laundry, meals, schoolwork, and outside chores.

Her objective is to maintain, discipline, and open doors.

Many have called me an inspiration by my creativity.

But you see, it is clear to me and hopefully others can see.

My biggest accomplishment, my biggest star by far

Is when I hear, Hey Mom, it’s me, your daughter!

I love you dear Mom and because of you, I am me.

As a queen who loves to have her recognition.

I am, a Mother who is loved by her precious child.

I am what I am because of God chose me to be

Your Loving Mother created for you in divine revelry.

Written in love for All Mothers who cherish the title of Mother.

……Arline Miller

 

At Christmas time, you hear me refer to my Mother a lot because Christmas time was such a special time for her. I miss her all year round, but especially around this holy event. For those of you who love to write, why not try to write a poem or prose? A short story is a great way to see if you have the talent to become a writer/author/poet. It is a loving way to express your love for life, family, faith, and friends. I love encouraging others to write.
LIVE LIFE; LOVE LIFE AND LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST BY ALLOWING YOUR MIND AND BODY TO FLOW AND MOVE WITH LOVE AND KINDNESS FOR THE MAXIMUM MELODY TO RESONATE THROUGH THE WORLD. 
(C) COPYRIGHT 2012-2018 Arline Miller with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material sourced to original location if known. All photos are not exclusively owned by Sipping Cups unless stated.
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